DragonBet The Bookmaker Of Wales Novices' Handicap Hurdle

4YO plus | Class 5 | 2m 7f 191y | 5 Runners | Turf

Jalisco Star^t¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Alex Edwards| T: L Horsfall| OR: 94

Has shown a bit in her qualifying runs and her opening handicap mark looks feasible. Could play a part.

Form: 26-8553

Frankie Faulkner¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Isabel Williams⁽³⁾| T: Evan Williams| OR: 93| D

Maiden hurdle winner last summer who has been placed a few times in handicap chases since, finishing third of 9 at Musselburgh (3m) on his last outing 12 days ago. This is his first handicap over hurdles.

Form: 3234P3

Moonlight Artist^p1⁴⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 93

Got off the mark at Exeter (23f, soft) in November. Backed it up with a solid third of 7 in handicap at Aintree (25f, heavy) in December. Below form on a sounder surface at Hereford since but there should be give in the ground here. Considered in first-time cheekpieces.

Form: 64-0136

Weaver's Answer^p⁴^{(ex 7)}

Age: 6| Weight: 11-9| J: Alan Johns| T: Tim Vaughan| OR: 85

Improved with cheekpieces added when gaining second hurdle success at Plumpton (25f, soft) on Monday, drawing 17 lengths clear. Tough to beat under a 7 lb penalty if in similar form.

Form: 43-1831

Houston Calling^p⁷⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR: 85WS

Poor form. 25/1 and cheekpieces on first time, respectable sixth of 10 in handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter 70 days ago. Still relatively early days but needs improvement on her return from wind surgery.

Form: 636-496

Forecasts

Weaver's Answer (13/8), Frankie Faulkner (2/1), Moonlight Artist (4/1), Jalisco Star (8/1), Houston Calling (10/1)

A race which to some extent revolves around WEAVER'S ANSWER, who will be tough to beat under a penalty if reproducing Monday's Plumpton form. Laura Horsfall handicap newcomer Jalisco Star may give the selection most to do.